Georges River Council says it does not determine the value of the Hurstville Baptist Church site, which is being compulsorily acquired.
“This is done by the NSW Valuer General,” a spokesman said.
The council was responding to criticism by Kogarah MP Chris Minns in State Parliament of the compulsory acquisition.
Mr Minns said the council had restricted the church’s own development plans, but proposed to rezone the site to include residential once it was acquired.
This had the potential to deny the church between $4 million and $7 million of land value, he said.
The council, in its response, did not deny the rezoning claim.
The valuation of the land will determine the price to be paid for the church, on the corner of Dora Street and Queens Road.
The church was given the statutory 120 days to submit a proposal for the council to consider allowing it to remain as a tenant on that site or in another council owned property in the Hurstville CBD.
“Council is still awaiting a response,” a spokesman said.
The spokesman said the council “has made every effort to facilitate a mutually beneficial arrangement”.
”On October 27, council met with representatives of the church to come to an arrangement,” he said.
“Council offered a number of possible solutions for the acquisition of the site.
“One option that was offered was to continue allowing representatives of the church to use the site for five to 10 years while they looked for an alternative location to move to in Hurstville.
“Another option was offered where council would facilitate a land swap of the site with a council-owned site.
“Council was willing to do this for any site in Georges River that the church may have been interested in, subject to the swap representing value for money to both parties.
“Council has also offered to provide space within the new Hurstville Civic Precinct that would be created following the acquisition of the site.”
The spokesman said the new Civic Precinct would be able to cater for the needs of the church so that they could continue providing their services to the local community and within the same location as they are located.
“These options remain available to the church and council is waiting for representatives to respond,” he said.
The spokesman said the council had followed due process and acted in accordance within the NSW Government guidelines to ensure fairness and transparency.